Mission to the Corden Vencu

[Dmitri]

Season 1, Episode 4

Mission to the Corden Vencu

Full credit to DarthTemoc on Deviantart.​

Branch Director Marid's betrayal had come a surprise to the Imperial forces at the Cloak of the Sith. No one had seen it coming. Not Governor Tal Pror. Not Commodore Medion. And not even the poor Captain Antilles, killed during the diversion at the Death Wind Corridor.

The Imperium and the Mandalorians before them had fortified the Cloak well against invasion. Mines, turrets, interdictors were only a few of the machinations that produced the Death Wind Corridor defenses. However, never had the empire to expect to be locked out of Roon by their own defenses. Commodore Medion and Battlegroup Eternal had fallen for Marid's trap and chased the stolen Carien Bralor out of the Cloak. Marid locked the door and threw away the key. Roon was now safely in the hands of Mandalorians and insurgents.

The garrison that had been left behind was forced to fend for itself. Many of the imperial forces had wisely followed Viole, Mitsuki, and Veles' orders to evacuate and hide. It saved many lives, as not even an hour later the garrison's compound was bombed into oblivion. Now the soldiers were scattered across the continent. Many had remained with Mitsuki and Veles, to prepare for an assault on the research facility. However, some remained with Crusader Vi'kaar. While many Stormtroopers believed Tal Pror dead, Vi'kaar had been with Tal Pror when the governor-general had been captured, the governor buying time to let Vi'kaar escape. He knew the Mandalorian usurpers wanted Tal Pror alive.

Vi'kaar could sense him, even now. Tal Pror was currently residing in a cell aboard the Corden Vencu, a Star Destroyer Marid was using as his flagship. Some would write off Tal Pror as a lost cause, but Vi'kaar and the soldiers with him knew that they were a lost cause themselves if they could not get reinforcements pass the Death Wind Corridor. While Marid had probably changed the codes by now, Vi'kaar knew that the governor-general had overrides codes, a factoid he had learned while preparing for his role in the invasion of Yag'Dhul. Even better, with him was a former veteran of that same campaign, Cristo. The two of them had effectively taken over the Stormtrooper unit that had joined up with them, their own commanding officer killed by an enemy Pau'an.

It wasn't easy stealing a MandalMotors shuttle. Mandalorians were still searching for imperial survivors and instead found an ambush instead. It had taken the combined skills of Vi'kaar and Cristo to take the shuttle without giving the Mandalorians an opportunity to signal distress. Now they flying to the Corden Vencu in style, using an oldie but a goodie: They had arrested one of the three Crusaders who had been at Roon of the time of Marid's betrayal. They had neutralized her and were bringing her in to be sent to the brig for confinement. Cristo and his men wore the stolen Mandalorian armor, alien to them, but were quick learners. However, the thought that ran through all of their minds was if they could still win even with this facade.

 

[Vexillar]

He paced back and forth a bit, this was probably the most anxious Cristo had ever seen the Sith. He wasn't exactly happy with their current situation. It was, for all intents and purposes, a suicide mission. Their numbers seemed to dwindle with each passing skirmish, and it was getting harder and harder to see this through to the end. He had to though. He didn't have a choice. This was what he signed up for, someone else might get it wrong, someone else might fail, someone else would doom the rebellion to a life of imprisonment before they even got started. No. This was on his shoulders. He had to pull this off, and for that, he was anxious. He carried the weight of the Imperium on his shoulders. If he failed here, Cristo would be punished. Of course he would too, but he could endure it. He could take it. He was worried for the soldier though. Would he break under the punishment? Expose his hand too soon, and bring the wrath of the Imperium down on himself and those around him? Raith trust himself not to, and he didn't mean to underestimate his friend. It was concern...a feeling he wasn't used to, a feeling he had never experienced before he injured Dawn, but since then it seemed the Force was determined to throw beings at him left and right that he'd be concerned about.

He hated that feeling really.

Because it didn't just apply to Cristo. Not in this moment anyway. He also held concern, a deep and terrible sense of worry, for the OLR. If he failed here, they would certainly be crippled. The Imperium would swoop down on them, and destroy what they could as quickly as possible. So he had two factions to worry about, several dozen people to concern himself with, and his Apprentice was nowhere to be found. Not to mention that he had an immense amount of concern for everything else that was going on in the galaxy around him.

Stop! A female voice shouted at him. His vision darkened a bit, if that was possible, and the spirit of Erchitu appeared before him, lovely as ever in her ethereal form. The Dathomir woman folded her arms and a look of disgust was stapled to her face. Is this what I really gave up my life for? Is this what you've been reduced to? Truly? You disgust me. I thought you to be a powerful Sith, capable of anything! You certainly boast as much, but here you are slowly breaking down and for what? Events that haven't even happened yet? What happened to all that crap about letting the Force guide you? You need to get your head in the game! Because I'm not dying here due to your lack of focus. And what about that Padawan girl? Are you going to let her suffer without you? And Prazutis? Focus, moron, because if you don't, you're dead. It wasn't the best of speeches, and Raith could sense the woman's concern for her own life, though she paraded around other people's lives as if she was truly concerned for them, but she had a point. He couldn't be focused on a future that didn't exist. It was all possibilities and speculation.

Nothing was certain, everything was possible.

He took a breath and visibly relaxed, at least to Cristo he would. Yes yes. Maybe if you had had such foresight in life, you wouldn't be here now. He teased her lightly, and she rolled her eyes vanishing from him once more. He walked over to the pilot to check their ETA for the flag ship. They would arrive in a few minutes. He went back to Cristo and flashed him a smile. "It's almost like old times, eh? Fighting with a handful of troopers against a rebellious enemy?" Of course the first time had been pirates, so they weren't nearly as well armed as their current enemies were, but still. The thought brought a smile to Raith's face and allowed him to relax some more. "These are your brothers. Maybe a few words would help them before we dive into the belly of the beast?" He looked around, and could sense the general discomfort from everyone. It wasn't just the suits, but it was the fact that a lot of them hadn't faced a Mandalorian in combat before, fewer were even sure they would survive the encounter with the race bred for combat. And after witnessing the death of a significant number of their brothers and sisters...well morale wasn't terribly high. They were Stormtroopers, however, and so they pushed through it. Having a Sith on their side did some good for them as well, especially one like Raith though most still referred to him as Viole. Which he didn't mind. He had tended to their wounded whenever he could, keeping everyone as fit as he could manage without spending too much of his power.

But this? This was Morrell's department.

 

[Minuteman75]

Despite the gravity of the situation, Cristo Morrell was calm enough to keep his head on straight. To be honest though, Mandalorioan armor he was wearing wasn't what he expected to be in. Yet with an high-level risk operation like this one, you have to utilize any resource available. Such is the case with him and rest of the disguised stormtroopers inside the shuttle. Like him they were trying to get used to their new gear and mentally prepare themselves for what lay ahead.

He notice his friend and longtime colleague Viole pacing around back and forth in such a nervous matter. Well considering their odds, Cristo shouldn't be surprised by Viole's evident concern but the rest of stormtroopers were noticing the display too. The fact that a Sith Master, a powerful being looked afraid only added more stress to the soldiers. Despair can kill people as easily as blasters or lightsabers. Morrell may not exactly believe in the Sith Imperium's ideals anymore but for now he still had an obligation, no a duty to those under his command.

When approached by Viole and reminded of their first mission together, the sergeant chuckle beneath his blueish helmet.

"Oh yes I remember alright. Those priates sure didn't know who they were messing with."

He made sure to be loud enough for the others to hear those comments. Their morale neeeded to improve as much as possible, hopefully knowing that their leaders work had together before and survived can help raise their hopes a little bit more. Of course, his Sith friend asked him to speak to the others Cristo gave an affirmative nod and proceeded to pull off his helemt and turn around. Looking at each member of the armored group, and they to him in return. Sometime back he had lusted for a leadership position in some misguilded desire for power but by now Cristo learned how painful it's burdens, that's lives are not something to take lightly especially those you command.

Clearing his throat, Morrell directed everyone's attnetion to him with a hand singal and spoke calmly.

"Troopers, listen to me. I won't deny that we have suffer great losses recently. Our comrades paid a bitter price due to bretayal from within and we now face odds stacked against us in this hour. You probably asking yourselves why me, why us?"

Raising a forefinger from his left hand he continued with his voice harden.

"Because we're here boys and girls, nobody else...just us. Our foes likely believe they have won already well I say we show those kriffing bucket heads how gravely mistaken that notion is when we will strike back. It's us or them simple as that. Fight for your beliefs, for your loved ones, and most all fight for your brothers and sisters beside you! I don't know about the rest of you but I want to sent these idiots to hell and get back to Bastion to see if Private Newkirk here actually proposes to that pretty nurse he keeps bragging about."

He said the latter part with a smile while pointing at Newkirk with all the others laughing in amusment and slapping the private's shoulders. Newkirk pretended to be offended and told them all to frak off while chuckling himself. That broke the tension for little bit and the troops went back to their preparations as Morrell did the same. When done he went to back Viole and whispered.

"I know you're mortal Viole but this squad dosen't need to see you worked up like earlier. Try to keep it hidden or else it's going to really hurt their morale."

 

[Vexillar]

Raith gave a small clap at the end of the speech. Truly heartwarming. He could study words for centuries, and yet his words would have fallen on deaf ears. Coming from a brother, these words were more valuable than any currency anyone could offer.

When Cristo commented on his outward appearance, Raith chuckled and placed a hand on Morrell's cheek affectionately. His lips curled into the warmest of smiles, and he shook his head slightly. "Worked up? My dearest, Cristo. I haven't the foggiest idea of what you mean." He slid his hand off the troopers cheek, and flashed a grin. Raith was obviously determined to not bring up his earlier show. He seemed well enough now anyway. The pilot relayed a message that they were boarding the ship. It was almost show time. The plan was relatively simple. Board the ship, find the target, get him home safely. Easy right? Especially with the Mandalorian armor now in their possession. It seemed docking wouldn't be a problem, but that didn't mean that the rest would be. They still had to find their subject. "I think it's best if we split the team into two. We can't all patrol around the ship. You and I will work quicker on our own anyway, don't you think? Their numbers should keep them safe. Plus I have an idea..."

He waved his hand casually in the space between them, momentarily covering his face. In that moment, he assumed the appearance of the captive Crusader traitor. "Since I lack a Mandalorian Outfit and such...." He dropped the illusion and smiled. An ancient trick, but one that could work if everything went well. He didn't have a lot of time to pick at the Crusader's brain, but he knew enough to get by at least the soldiers. If they ran into any of significant meaning...well it might be a problem. They could cross that bridge when they got there, however. He had prepared for this with a ritual to alter his appearance for a brief period of time, about an hour or so. If this mission took any longer than that, he presumed them to be in deeper trouble than his illusion failing. Standing he motioned for Cristo to follow him to one of the crew quarters where he had some strange symbols written on the floor, candles, a knife, and a few strands of hair from their captured Crusader as well as a vial of blood. That wasn't easy to obtain. "Now...this being said we should have plenty of time to get to the brig and find our friend...I'm positive he's still alive, and if he's not...well we'll cross that bridge later. For now, we need those codes. People need those codes." He arched a brow at Cristo, silently ensuring he understood the meaning of "people". If he didn't, then he'd understand later for sure.

For now he took a seat in the center of the mystical circle. The sounds of the ship docking began to ring around them, and some of the Troopers began to take a final breath. This was show time. Raith began his ritual, and a purple smoke began to form around him. He bent the Dark Side of the force to his will, commanding the powers of Bogan to heed his call. Focusing on the Crusader's image, her form, her voice, the Force began to bend, manifesting in the form of a dark purple smoke. The candle flames began to waver as if blown on, though there was no wind. Raith spoke under his breath as he channeled the Sith Magic around him. Everyone experienced Sith Magic differently. For Raith, he saw ripples in the fabric of the Force. Mayhaps that was because he actually saw through the Force? Who knew. It was like looking at a pond though, he could see the actual effects of the Sith Magic on this primal power, and it excited him whenever he tapped into it. Some people claimed they heard some form of music, others saw like he did, the experiences were endless...at least for those who lived to tell the tale.

In mere moments the smoke had consumed him and then fell down around him. Where Raith had once sat there was the figure of the Crusader whom they had taken. Flashing a smile he spoke, and even the echo in his voice was masked. "Pretty convincing, huh?" He stood and strapped her saber to his belt, keeping his on him too. The story behind that was it was a battle trophy. "Shall we?"

 

[Minuteman75]

Cristo display his amusement with a smile when Raith pretend that he didn't know what he was talking reminded of his worried expressions from earlier. The trooper grunted jokily when his friend touch his cheek. With the issue resolved Cristo listen to what the Sith had to say concerning their operation. It was for intends and purposes, a frakking one way ticket to death. Well that was one way to look at it, Morrell resfuse to focus on that likelihood.

Instead he thought about they could pull it off, if they do it will be quite the achievement, earning further trust from the Empire that they were secretly conspiring against its leadership. It sounded like whoever Raith wanted to give the codes to didn't sound like they were fans of the Empire. That was good news, they

As for spilting up the team, Cristo understood Raith's reasoning and nodded in agreement. Though he was wondering how his assoicate was getting across the guards. That question was soon answered when Raith demonstrated an force illusion, Turing his face into that of the prisoner they held onboard. It always amaze the sergeant how force users were able to pull off these talents of theirs when trained. Within a blink of an eye Raith change back his original facial features and Cristo then follow him to one of the ship's quarters.

There Morrell got a bit wried out by ritual spot visibly present and the feeling increased when Riath sat down and summoned the sorcery. When the smoke cleared Riath had completely taken the form of the Sith "guest". It impressive yet chilling all at the same time, he felt like an eight year boy again for moment, trying to grasp the reality of somone being able to do what he saw. He almost miss what his ally said but was able to reply.

"That's a bit of an understatement my friend. Pretty impressive, maybe you should your hand in being an actor after all this. Heh!"

When asked shall they go, he answer yes. As they came out of the room, Morrell was reminded of the captive.

"What about the prisoner?"

 

[Vexillar]

Oh yes. He had nearly forgotten. The Sith walked to a mirror to check himself for any flaws against a holoimage of their prisoner. None. Everything was perfect, down to the little beauty mark just above the left side of her lip. He smiled and turned to Cristo, flourishing his new found long hair in the process, and shook his head gently. "Ah yes. The prisoner. She, or rather he, is of no concern. As I have assumed her form, she has assumed mine. Balance in all things." He flashed a small smile and the resounding thud of a loading ramp could be heard. "Our guests await." He looked just passed Cristo, through the walls of their ship, passed the other men on board with them, he observed the gathering of Imperial tratiors and mandalorians alike. He watched them raise their guns at the ship ready to fire. He observed how they lowered their guns just slightly as the first of their team stepped off the ship.

Indeed, it was show time...

Raith moved to join them on the loading ramp, and though his body moved rather flawlessly, his mind was elsewhere. Invisible tendrils were lashing out, snaking through this place looking for their target. He needed to find him quickly. His mind scanned everything it could touch, everything it could sink fangs into, but he had to be careful. He had to be cautious. They had one Crusader, but another was on board, and while that wouldn't be a problem for Raith to handle, that would be an issue for his men. He had spent too much time scanning, he had to pull back for now. He assumed the man would be in the brig, but no such luck was had. So where was he? He smiled to one of the troopers as they saluted her, giving a curt nod.

We will remain in constant mental communication. Remember, our goal is to find Tal Pror. He's alive. He's here somewhere. Fan out and find him. If you feel your about to be caught, alert me right away. He had a plan for if they were about to be discovered. But it would be tricky to say the least. Mostly because he had never really attempted anything like it before. Why wouldn't it be possible, however, to mind trick someone from far away? In the same way he used illusions to affect all parts of the body, by infecting the brain, if he targeted a brain then...well the logic was there. But the result? Well it could be anything. He didn't express this, however, as he didn't want to worry the men. If it worked, great, if not...well Plan B. All he had to do was create a Plan B.

A trooper ran up to him and saluted, giving the same respect to Cristo beside him. "Sirs! You're being requested by Crusader Mai. She is waiting for you in the mess." Raith gave a small nod and tilted his head. "I'm so beat though. Surely she can wait?" Crusader Mai was not a name he wanted to hear. He didn't know her personally, but word had it she was on the fast track to becoming a full fledged Assassin. This just got dangerous. He trusted his illusion, and he still had his assassin training from an Acolyte. He felt comfortable countering her abilities, but that didn't mean that she wouldn't be a dangerous foe. Plus...He worried about Cristo. As an Assassin she would probably be skilled in piercing mental defenses. Had Cristo been working on his? The trooper shook his head. "She is demanding your immediate arrival." Raith paused for a moment and sighed. "Well if she insists." He motioned for Cristo to follow and began to walk to the mess hall.

 

[Minuteman75]

Cristo would've felt better if they just kill the prisoner as an extra precaution. Well at least Raith had work his sorcery to make sure she look like him while he had her form. Walking down the ramp with his partner and the squad that followed behind as they were greeted by the hostiles who seem to be fooled by their disguises...for now. Morrell eariler had a talk with the squad and couched them to not behave like stormtroopers. Because the Mandos or the traitors onboard will spot any obvious signs of them being imposters immediately no matter the armor they wear.

Hopefully the enemies' success have enjoy will blind their them from the truth long enough to achieve the objective. As much Cristo had confidence in his squad he wasn't a fool to think they could take on large host head on. Finding Tal Pror was of upmost importance, as Raith pointed out.

It can be the key to keeping his troops alive, though he struggle with the notion of being a secert dissent against the Empire while having bonds with soldiers with him. It just made his new path even more difficult and painful to take.

Still his course with set, Cristo knew he had to keep playing the loyal toy soldier routine until the time is right. Those were his thoughts when one of the defectors told Raith that a crusader called Mai wanted to see "her". His friend's attempts to delay such a meeting were vain and now they were going to meet this Mai character. Judging by the demanding matter this Sith wanted them to come gave an clue that this darksider was an impatient sort and used getting her way.

Some things don't change with these Sith, even when they're rebelling. The only real difference between them and their rivals is how their names are spelled. Cristo bitterly thought.

The rest of his troops began spreading out as planned. That was one concern out of a thousand taken care of. Knowing they're about to be debriefed by Mai, Cristo started to memorize the various parts of his rifle repeatedly as he and Raith made their way to the mess hall.

Soon they encountered a green Twi'lek in an red robe with a lightsaber in hand. Her expression was one of cruel scowl, fitting the Sith image of what mothers use to scare their children into being good.

"Took you long enough Sonya. What is your report?" Mai demanded with the scowl still firmly set on her face.

 

[Vexillar]

'Sonya' eased her hand through her hair and sighed. Her face twisted with a bit of annoyance and pain. She looked over to the Mandalorian next to her with a bit of irritation and then turned back to Mai.

"Well we won, but were heavily wounded in the process. Lost way too many Mandalorians, I guess they couldn't keep up with the Sith. Turns out the Imperium is more serious about this than we thought. They sent a damn Sith Arcanist to deal with us. I wasn't prepared for that much firepower, but we managed. We have about half the company we left with...maybe a little less, but at least the Imperium knows we mean business."

A smile graced the her lips sweetly as she bowed her head respectfully.

"However that being said. I did recover an important piece of information. They know our...guest is alive. We will need to move him and soon. It's risky keeping him here. Shall I perform an escort mission, Mai?"

She arched her brow curiously. "Commander Javid was most helpful in defending against the Arcanist. I am confident the two of us could transport him while another team moves a decoy."

 

[Minuteman75]

Mai grew curious with the information she just received from her "associate". Cristo for his part decided to act his role as a Mando commander. He displayed a vibroknife in a. threatening matter toward the disguised Raith.

"First you insult the memory of my fallen vode then you offer frail praise to me in the same breath. Forget it! You dar'jetii can deal with your own prisoner out fine without me. I'm not your care droid."

Crossing his arms to the chest, Criso/Javid projected the image of a pissed off Mandalorian, it helped that he did had real cotempt for the Sith Order. He mixed those feelings in with the portrayal. The point of it was to bait Mai and it worked quickly. The crusader laughed, having been amused with the display she finally spoke.

"Commander don't take Sonya's words so personal we all in this together right? Anyway you are in no position to quit our cause now, with the Imperium almost upon us. So to keep our alliance in order it's best we listen to my colleague's recommendation. Once the task is finished and we meet again at the brig I was about to deal with Pror's interrogation myself. You two can join me and watch but remember Sonya I am in charge of the interview.

Am I understood?"

The Crusader Mai said the latter words as a threat to her fellow Sith. Morrell got the feeling that the real Sonya must've not been on real good terms with this lady to begin with.

 

[Vexillar]

'Sonya' nodded and flashed a smile. The venom in the woman's voice was not missed. Whatever beef the two of them had was not Raith's business or area of concern. Standing slowly he bowed slightly to Mai and turned on heels to leave.

Remind me not to insult your squad. Ever.

He spoke into Cristo's mind with a chuckle. He was impressed with the trooper's performance. It was then that he got a mental communiqué from another soldier saying they found the VIP at the bridge. Raith was immediately irritated. They would have to get him through a crap load of security now. Going up was so much easier than going down on a ship. At least when you went up you had time to start at the security stations.

"Bring Prior to the brig per instruction. There's something I want to check out." Without another word he left. A slight hum eminating from the throat. An interrogation would take too long. However if there was an issue that cut them short...Raith decided that a little coup would be issue enough. He tuned his hearing into the waves of the Force, suddenly sounds from all over were flooding into him but he was interested in Mai.

"Prepare the interrogation room. Also, be on the lookout for Crusader Sonya and Commander Javid...something's not right here."

He grinned to himself and descended down the ship in elevator. Arriving at the brig he immediately walked up to one of the rebels on board. He (she) flashed a smile and the man went to speak but found her finger on his lips. Looking around it seemed that there was a few more guards but they were all out of sight. Good. She slid her finger up to his forehead and tapped with a command. "You will gather men in the interrogation room. Shoot the first Sith you see." The man's pupils grew small as his will was overtaken by Raith's. With a nod he was off. The man immediately went to work on the security console, knocking out the feed from the bridge to the docking bay.

You will have several moments to get him to the docking bay. I'll hold Mai down here for as long as I can. Things are going to get crazy... He said to Crisro telepathically.

Afterwards he simply waited for Mai to join him down in the brig. She stood just outside the interrogation room door. Inside were several Mandolorians with guns trained on the door. After waiting some time she spoke into a communicator. "Crusader Mai. We humbly await your presence down here." The plan was simple. It didn't matter who walked in first, Mai or Sonya. The moment shots were fired, answers would be wanted. Raith didn't take Mai for a fool, so he doubted she'd be thrown off for long, but maybe long enough to get Pror safely abored their ship. Or a ship. Hell. Didn't matter. As long as the target was safe...

 

[Minuteman75]

Cristo continued to play his role silently with a hint of brooding as he followed Raith to the elevator their destination, the brig. Once that was done, and they came out the sergeant watched his friend force influence one of the insurgents into obeying to his will. As much as Cristo knew that Raith was a good man he still felt a bit intimidated by the whole notion how his friend and others have abilties like this. Though he was glad that Raith was not like other Sith and his little stunt was improving their odds, especially with the new info they have on the VIP's status recieved a few minutes before.

Nodding to his comrade after being given an telepathic message to go on and pick up the prisoner Cristo went back up the elevator. Following another trip through the lift this upward, Morrell briskly walked out into the hallway, in the direction for the docking bay. Aydan, one of his trusted soldiers was the one who found the VIP on the ship's bridge. Also before he gotten the person of interest, the Kaleesh warrior had taken the liberty of hiding a bomb within the bridge. It was the squad's going away present to their enemies on this ship.

Cristo couldn't help but smile at the thought but it faded quickly as he remembered that he left behind Raith to face that schutta Mai by himself. Even so the objective had to be completed and he trusted that his comrade can more than handle the so-called crusader. Meanwhile Mai descended to the brig and when she came inside through its she was greeted by a barrage of blasterfire. Shocked and outraged she quickly defected the bolts using her saber.

Then she proceeded to rush in and cut down the guards with any hesitation, just she cut off the last one's head she saw Raith/Sonya and pointed her weapon and simply one word with murderous intent.

"You!"

Without a pause she rushed at Raith quicken speed and commit slash attack for the neck.

 

[Vexillar]

The Sith looked shocked for a moment and narrowly managed to roll out the way. The sounds of a lightsaber slashing through metal was an all too familiar tone.

The False Lady sprung up to her feet and held her hands up defensively. "W-wait Mai! Please! I didn't do it! You told me not to interfere. I gave them orders to prepare the room!" Raith spoke quickly while backing up, making sure that his back wasn't to the door but another wall. He didn't want any surprises.

He had expected Mai to survive the ambush. It would have been incredibly disappointing if she didn't make it. However it also would have made his job easier. His current plan was to take her prisoner. Punishing her for all rebels to see would solidify his own standing as well as certainly net Morrell an impressive sum of points. Yes. She was more useful to him alive than dead. Not to mention that she may be able to out other defectors. Raith was, of course, one of them but she didn't know that, him, or anyone who did. Not to mention it was easily deniable if she tried to name him. He, after all, got the codes and captured her.

Oh yes. Capturing her would be fantastic...

"Mai! We have a situation..." One of the troopers spoke over the coms. Sonya looked at the communicator on the woman's wrist and then up to her. Raith didn't have a way to check on his friends, so he was stuck here in the dark. He had to assume that whatever happened, they had done it. His assumption was correct, since the problem was that the people on the bridge had discovered the bomb. Unfortunately the bomb was custom made, so nobody was sure how to disarm it. Further more, it was remote detonated. Which meant who knew when it would go off.

"Mai. We can do this dance later. Where is the prisoner? He should be here by now..."

Cristo, and company. Prepare yourselves. If this works down here, you're going to have a hell of a time up there." He sent a telepathic warning to the small company. He had faith in the Twin Gods that they would see these brave men to safety, or at least ensure any of their deaths wouldn't be in vain. They would accomplish their mission, and Raith would capture this pesky woman. He was an Arcanist, a Master of the Force. He had obtained this title through cunning abd wit, knowing when to draw a blade and when not to. He would have this woman today.

 

[Minuteman75]

Mai sneered at Sonya/Raith in an most hateful expression, she didn't know what this little tramp was up but she would not be made a fool of. She paused however when the comms on her wristband turn on. Upon receiving the soldier's message about the bomb on the bridge, she looked surpsied and thinking about the Mando, Javid wasn't here and it had been other Mandos that shot at her moments before. The wheels within her mind began to spin, their so-called ally was up to no good. He was suppose to follow Sonya to the brig but he left.

This thought drove her further to attack the other Sith in an furious matter, slinging her saber repeating at the head and shoulder area. Even if Sonya wasn't part of Javid's betrayal she let the bucket head go. Treason or folly she was going to paid Mai decided, meanwhile she tried bark a command to back the bridge but suddnely the line went static. It could only mean one thing, the bomb had went off.

By this point Morrell had link up with Aydan with the confused VIP in tow and arrived at the hanger bay. By this point, his second in command Meeta had had established a defense perimeter around their ship opened fire on the mutineers within blaster reach. Cristo shielded the VIP with Aydan as they made a run for the ship, shooting at the turncoats as they went. Through the sheer chaos of the carnage, Cristo ended up getting shot in the left arm and dropping the gun but kept going until Aydan got the prisoner through the ramp and into the vessel.

Despite his wound and the barrage of fire all around, Cristo pull out a pistol with his remaining unharmed hand and joined the squad in defending their postion. But the stinging pain, in the other arm messed with his aim but he kept shooting was the motto was now until Raith gets back here.

 

[Vexillar]

Okay so that didn't work.

Raith rolled to the side again as she attacked once more. Clearly a fight was happening one way or another. V grabbed Sonya's saber and ignited it. Meeting the attacking blade and sliding it off harmlessly to the side. He stood ready for her following attacks. He just needed to hold her here a bit longer. Alarms were blaring all around them as the bomb went off on the bridge. He had to hold back a chuckle at this. There was a job to do. Laughing could wait.

"Mai, there's still time to catch them! It's the Mandalorians! We've been betrayed! All that talk about honor and this is what they do to us!! They must be made to pay!"

Mai's defenses were solid. He wasn't going to break through them with any sort of brute force. He needed to distract her, weaken her guard from the outside and then snake his way in. He just needed to get her attention off of him. Her rsge washed over him like a waterfall. He wasn't sure if it could be redirected. She was pretty intent on taking him down, and really he couldn't blame her. All he needed was to get her to ease off just a little so that he could strike.

 

[Minuteman75]

Cristo was laying on the floor now shot in the right leg. Out of his squad still holding their defense it only numbered eight troopers, two were dead and another pair wounded like him. It was fortune that Corporal Meeta took command, he thought looking up to her on his left side. She issue commands to the others still standing, directing their fire against the hostiles pressing from the center. It halted the enemy advance but Cristo knew they couldn't last much longer with their squad being thinned out. Meeta as she reloaded her rilfe looked to her sergeant and then called out to Newarik behind them both.

"Private get the sarge back onto ship, we cover you."

"Belay that order I will not move from here until everyone else does." Cristo retorted, but Meeta not taking that as an answer suddenly pulled off her squad leader' helmet. Surpsied Morrell saw her raise a fist then slammed it into his face, knocking him out cold. The private was utterly dumbfounded until Meeta barked the same command to him again which he compiled hastily. He drugged Cristo into the ship as the squad slowly fell back as the odds slowly turned against them.

Corporal Meeta wasn't going to waste the lives of her troopers and commander, waiting on their Sith ally no longer than necessary. She opted to waited a few more moments then all bets are off.

Back at the brig, Mai's furious attacks finally stopped when she recieved words on the comms that the traitors fighting back at the hanger bay with the VIP in tow. She turned her head away from Raith just for one second to issue an order through thr wristband, giving her opponent a chance to exploit.

 

[Vexillar]

Raith didn't believe in wasted opportunities. This woman may not be able to open any doors for them in the Imperium, but there was only one way to find out for sure. Raith threw his mental powers at her, pushing hard to break her down, flooding her with the illusion of an explosion right next to her. One that caused her to be set on fire, consumed by the almost living color, it crawled over her body hungry for more to feast on; her.

The goal was to cause her body to shut down. To put her in such a state of shock and panic that she would literally pass out. Raith could deal with the rest from there.

He then felt Cristo's connection to him get dull. It was a sign that he was not conscious. Leaving without the guest of honor? He projected an image of Mai into their minds, the woman spasming on the floor as she struggled with reality and lies. Leave. I will make my own way... He spoke logically and calmly, but part of him wondered if they would have waited for one of their own?

Was he as expendable to them as they were to most of his Order?

He shook his head. He had no time to think about such things now. He needed to move. He lifted up Mai's body, only the occasional muscle spasm told him that she was still battling the false images. He ran for the hanger, the occasional mandalorian tried to stop them but it's easy to play Sith when you were Sith. And easier still when the people you pinned Mai's injury on were actively escaping. Raith was not going to the hanger though. That would be near suicide. He'd either have to rip apart his own comrades, or defend himself against a hanger full of enemies. The escape pods were a much better bet.

He got down to their location and killed the guard there. No one needed to be here right now. He set off all the pods remaining except one. No one needed to survive this. He tossed Mai inside and got in himself. Launching his pod he gave a small wave as some enemy forces arrived to escape in some only to find them all deployed.

No survivors....

Raith shot out into space and used the thrusters to angle away from the fighting. "If anyone would be so kind as to pick me up..." He said over the channel to his original ship as he shot over his coordinates.

 

[Minuteman75]

By the time Raith sent his mental message to the squad, they were withdrawing back into the ship and closed the ramp. Meeta whose family been ruined and disgraced in the past by a Sith's vanity wasn't exactly amused at Raith's joke about bringing along an extra prisoner, another kriffing Sith. Seriously did he actually expected them to keep waiting and throw all their lives away so he can get a bonus? She wondered. Only the fact that her NCO, Cristo trusted the force user made Meeta do the same...slightly.

Still Raith surprised her when revealing he was taking another way out instead on insisting on them staying. Not arguing with that, Meeta got the pilot on the ship to proceed flying them out of the hanger bay even as the hostiles continue to fire at it. They only had blasters rifles and it wasn't enough to stop them and a moment the craft flew out of the bay and away from the damaged destroyer.

When receiving Raith's new message the stormtroopers in the ship head for the coordinates he gave them. Upon reaching him the escape pod was attached to the ship's hull and once the Sith was in they went into hyperspace a mintue later just as the turncoats were bringing out TIE fighters to pursue. The squad and their Sith ally had succeed in their operation.